How Does Medical Marijuana Ease Muscle Spasms?

Everyone has experienced a muscle spasm or a cramp. They can be as simple as a twinge in your back or as painful as a late-night Charley horse. However, when muscle spasms become an everyday occurrence that’s hard to control or manage, you should speak to your doctor.

Most spasms are brief, only lasting a few seconds or minutes. But sometimes, muscles are rigid for extended periods of time. This can become painful, and quality of life can be severely deteriorated.

Prescription medications are commonly used to treat intractable spasm conditions. If the spasms are accompanied by pain, sometimes harsh opiates could also be prescribed. These, however, can severely impact the user, and they come with a whole slew of adverse side effects, like the possibility of addiction.

Medical marijuana is now legal for treating muscle spasms in numerous states throughout the U.S. Not only is it a safer and more natural option than many prescription medications, but it’s often more effective for the relief of chronic spasms.

What Causes Muscle Spasms?

There are innumerable causes for muscle spasms, such as:

Inflammation

Dehydration

An athletic or other type of injury

Torn, strained or stretched muscles

Poor circulation

Hormone imbalance

Nutrient deficiency

Side effect of a prescription drug

Pinched nerve

Chronic pain

Poor circulation

Obesity

Serious medical conditions

Most spasms don’t require medical treatment. However, if spasms are caused by injuries or an underlying medical condition, you’ll need treatment. Common conditions that include spasmodic side effects are Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Another condition, known as true hypertonic spasms, occurs when damaged nerves prevent muscles from relaxing. This also requires treatment.

Treating Muscle Spasms With Cannabis

There are numerous anecdotal accounts and research studies that confirm the effectiveness of medical marijuana for muscle spasms. Cannabis has been proven to:

Reduce Inflammation: A common cause of muscle spasms is inflammation, usually caused by injury. Cannabis has incredible anti-inflammatory properties. Two compounds found in the plant, THC and CBD, have powerful effects on our body. These compounds, known as cannabinoids, reduce the proteins that cause inflammation and enable the release of more anti-inflammatory proteins.

Decrease Spasticity: A severe type of muscle spasm known as spasticity causes the continual contraction of muscles resulting in stiffness and tightness. This symptom is commonly associated with serious medical conditions like MS. Spasticity can lead to other complications like muscle injury, severe pain and loss of sleep. Spasticity originates in an area of our brain with many endocannabinoid receptors. Marijuana’s cannabinoids work with these receptors to decrease spasms and pain. The plant also causes drowsiness, allowing patients to sleep.

Talk to Your Doctor about Medical Marijuana Treatments

If you think you qualify for cannabis treatments because of your severe muscle spasms, make an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor. Most states require a medical marijuana card, which can only be obtained through your state’s health department. You will need to receive a recommendation from a registered physician proving that you have a qualifying condition. Then, you’ll be able to visit a dispensary near you and speak with a budtender to find the perfect strain for you.